Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

This spot was absolutely amazing! A hidden paradise waiting to be found. Lucky for me, I have my own kayaks but you can rent some nearby. I launched mine from Pete's Marina. (Must pay to park) I highly suggest kayaking to this spot. Once there, you can swim or snorkel in the springs like I did. So amazing. Water was cool but not freezing. It was crystal clear. Fish swimming around of all sizes. I was even able to swim down to the bottom of the spring and watch some of the water come out of the ground. Such an amazing experience and beautiful. I felt so rejuvenated after my swim in there.

Kayaked in (October) to see the springs and look for wildlife. Manatee Lou was surrounded by snorkelers. Amazing to see a manatee up close, but it seemed like they just wanted to get away from all the people. Also spotted fish, birds, and a ray. Glad we chose to visit the springs via kayak as it wouldn't have been as memorable via the boardwalk, plus it was free to access via water compared to the $12.50 per person fee the refugee concessioner charges.

Amazing little sanctuary. The waters are warm and crystal clear. I see why the manatees flock here. The walk around the springs is amazing with wooden walkways. The park guides are friendly and full of information. Great place to take a nice stroll. The real experience is to enter the springs through the river entrance. The kayak paddle from our B&B only took a short time. Plenty of wildlife and amazing vegetation along the paddle. Once you arrive at entrance you have a designated area to land your kayaks and then you swim into the spring area.

Park seemed pricey to get in especially after we just finished swimming with the manatees! But, it was definitely worth it to see a different side. Great place to capture beautiful pictures and get to see the manatees up top! Hint hint...if u don't like to walk...go left not right from the ticket booth...this will get you to the boardwalk quicker! Manatees blend in with the rocks so pay attention. There is no parking here and need to park at the shopping center. This is not where u catch the trolley either...so make sure u are at the right location for what u want to do!

Overall the park itself and the environment is pretty delightful, with access to hiking trails, views of the spring etc. Volunteers were present to guide which was great. We saw on manatee which was great too. The downside was—you had to park 1mile farther in the city hall and use their shuttle service/or walk to reach the springs. Also the entry fee was on the higher side (20$ per adult). And, there was no access to waters/swimmimg for that price while if you could pay extra for boating, kayaking and swimming through boating companies nearby, wierd for a state owned park? Overall, I would rather go to another spring where we can swim.